Dracowing Saga

By
Bolt Greywing

Chapter 1: Meeting Zardack

Crimburn lived in the forest for as long as he could remember and yet he felt incomplete. He always felt like he was an outcast whenever he went to school. The kids would always give him weird looks, and some would even bully him. His grades in class were not that great and yet whenever animal was brought into the school his face would light up with interest. Animals had always been an interest to him, as he felt more at home with them than among people. Leading to some calling him a furry.

Living in the forest had exposed him to so many kinds of animals. The forest itself was his sanctuary away from the busy days at school. While his father had wanted Crimburn to make some friends among the school kids, he never really fit in. At times Crimburn had to skip school because the bullying had gotten so bad that it was affecting him emotionally. So, his schooling tended to be off and on. His mother on the other hand tried to comfort her husband sometimes suggesting that maybe it be better to pull Crimburn completely out of school, but he just couldn’t do it. He wanted his son to have a better life than he had.

His mother had grown up in the forest and so she was not as worried about the so-called human world. When she was a young animal, she had been taken by the other animals and kept on a tight leash that she could not get out of. That was until her mate had freed her from her bonds. She had never dreamed that she would fall in love with a human. Such a thing was completely unheard of and out of the question. Despite all this, she married him anyway regardless of what her colony thought of it. Even though the colony banished her for it, she could not turn on the human who had saved her life.

Like her brother Crimburn, Lunaria preferred the company of animals to people. Whenever the deer were out in the forest, she would usually follow them. Lunaria was quite shy and wouldn’t talk much. She preferred the quiet of the natural world compared to the busy schools. She would sometimes draw cute animals to calm her nerves if the schoolwork was getting a bit much for her.

When Crimburn’s mother and father decided to have children of their own, their entire world came crashing down upon them. The ruthless cheetahs who pursued them for many years finally got their revenge on the couple and administered a deadly poison into Crimburn’s mother. The only surviving children were Crimburn and Lunaria who had been born from the same egg. Their mother had been overcome by so much grief that she turned dark for a while.

When her children were nearly killed by the cheetahs, did she finally turn back to the light again. Fearing that her children and herself would always be in constant danger from the cheetahs based on their animal form, she decided to give up the form that mattered most to her along with her children’s animal forms. Her children had no memory of what they previously were as that memory had been wiped clean. So Crimburn’s mother and her children had to live out their lives as ordinary humans.

Life was quite good for young Crimburn as he took in the fresh forest air, and yet he felt like he was missing something. As he pondered what it could be, his thoughts were cut short by a cry for help. He decided to follow it to try finding out where it was coming from. As the cries became more frantic, he began to pick up speed trying to go as fast as his legs could carry him. When the forest opened into a medium sized clearing, he noticed that cries were coming from a deer that was caught in a claw trap that snapped around its right front leg.

Crimburn walked over to the trapped animal so that he could examine the mechanism that held the trap in place. As he got closer the deer picked up the noise coming from him, moving across the forest floor.
“Ahhhhhh! Get back human or I’ll, I’ll…” The deer screamed as it was clearly frightened of this strange human moving towards him. The deer was frantically pulling on his trapped leg hoping to free himself.

“It is okay, I am not here to harm you. Don’t move your trapped leg otherwise you are going to make the pain worse.” Crimburn replied in a calm voice trying his best to calm the deer down.
“Wait you can hear me, but how?” The deer curiously asked.
“I am not sure, but some animals I can understand their voices more than others.” Crimburn replied. “Let me look at that trapped leg of yours.”

“Not a chance, even though you can hear me. I don’t trust you. Humans are horrible creatures.” The deer replied.
“Not all humans are bad, but judging by the trap it seems like this one was set here for a while. I need to get you out of it before the poachers come here.” Crimburn replied as he tried to walk closer to the deer.
“Stay back filthy human for I am the mighty Zardack Feathermeadow. I will bite you if you take another step closer to me. Your pitiful trap will not hold me for long. Owww, owww, owww, owwww.” The deer screamed in pain as it tried to pull itself free from the trap but couldn’t.

“For someone so mighty you look like your kind of stuck.” Crimburn replied as he realized that getting him out of the trap might be a bit tougher than he originally thought.
“Hmmmph, I am not stuck, you nosy human. I have not figured out how it works yet.” Zardack replied as he loosely pulled on it this time so he would not hurt his leg more.
“Uh huh, well there is no shame in asking others for help.” Crimburn replied.

“I don’t have the luxury of asking for help, I live in the forest as a prey animal which means I am food if I don’t get out of this on my own. Besides they would just leave me behind. Any animal that can’t escape on their own is just worthless and weak.” Zardack sighed in defeat. “Not that you would ever understand that being a nosey smelly human.”
“That sounds like a very cruel lesson to learn.” Crimburn replied.
“It’s the way the forest works kid, only the strong animals live long enough to find mates. The rest of us we just pass away with nothing to our name.” Zardack replied with a sigh as he began to pull his leg out of the trap again. “Oww, oww, owww. I don’t want to live like that; I need to get out of here now.”

“Whether you want my help or not, I can’t stand idly by and not help you.” Crimburn replies as he ventures closer to the deer heading towards the trap.
“Leave me be. I must get out of this trap on my own. I don’t want to be saved by a human that would be a fate worse than death!” Zardack replied.
Zardack then snaps his mouth around Crimburn’s arm as he gets close enough and tries to bite him.

“Owww, owww, owww. Can you please let go of my arm so I can examine the trap closer? I know you don’t want to trust me, but I don’t see anyone else coming to your aid. If I can’t figure a way around it, I will just leave.” Crimburn spoke up.
Zardack then decided to let go of Crimburn’s arm so he could examine the trap.
“Why do you wish to help me? All your kind does is hunt us anyway.” Zardack asked.

“I just like helping injured animals and it feels wrong for me to abandon an animal that is in pain. Plus, my sister is quite fond of deer.” Crimburn replied.
“So, you plan on feeding me to her?” Zardack asked.
“No, but she just likes seeing them. We do eat deer meat at times but its only on special occasions.” Crimburn replied.
“Then you are no different than a predator to us.” Zardack replied.
“Yes, we are preds, but we don’t use traps to injure the animals we capture.” Crimburn replied as he started to examine the trap. “My mom and dad do the hunting.”

“If you did not set the traps then who did?” Zardack asked.
“I would assume that these traps were set up by poachers. I don’t like them at all as they strip the forest of the natural wildlife.” Crimburn replied.
“Poachers? Pah I could easily take on those filthy humans. Let me at them. Owww, owww, owww.” Zardack screamed in pain as he tugged quite hard against the claw trap again.

“I know that you want to fight them, but with the way your leg is you would not be able to. Please don’t fight the trap you’re just going to injure your leg more.” Crimburn replied as he continued to look.
“Sorry, I am just not used to being stuck like this. I am a wild animal unlike you who probably lives in the big cities. I am used to roaming free.” Zardack replied.
“This might come as a surprise to you, but I was born in this very forest.” Crimburn spoke up.

“You were born in this forest? Don’t make me laugh.” Zardack replied.
“I was, it is true.” Crimburn replied.
“Look kid no human has been born in the forest for a very long time. Most of us animals know this as a fact. If what you say is true, then you are quite the rarity.” Zardack chuckled.
“You can always ask my mother if you want to be sure.” Crimburn replied.

“Thanks, but no. I don’t want to be in the company of other predators longer than I need to be.” Zardack replied. “While you do seem nice enough, I don’t want to risk being on the menu.”
“Its fine. Well, I managed to discover that this is a very simple trap. The pressure on the middle plate causes the trap to close.” Crimburn spoke up.
“While that is good to know, it doesn’t really get me unstuck.” Zardack replied.
“Don’t move your leg or anything. I am going to try something.” Crimburn replied.

“Okay I can try to keep it steady, but I can’t make any promises.” Zardack replied. “Just be quick as you can.”
Crimburn nodded and then tried to pull the trap open a little.
Zardack curiously watched what Crimburn was doing.
He then slowly set it back in place on the injured leg.

“So, what did you find?” Zardack asked.
“Well, I can pull it open, but I won’t be able to keep it open long enough for you to get your foot out.” Crimburn sighed.
“So, I take it I am stuck here then.” Zardack replied as he looked down in defeat.
“Seems that way. If I just had something that I could use to hold the trap open, then I might have a chance to free you.” Crimburn replied.

“I do remember seeing some fallen branches that I passed earlier that are behind me that might be of use.” Zardack spoke up.
“That could work Zardack. I will look for some.” Crimburn smiled as he then went off to look for them.
“Don’t keep me waiting too long. There are other predators in this forest besides just you.” Zardack replied.

Crimburn began to examine the forest floor that Zardack had passed and saw several different branches off to the side. Most were too flimsy to use for the trap, but Crimburn found five that seemed like they would be strong enough for the trap. Hopefully he didn’t need to go through all of them. He picked up the branches and headed back to where Zardack was.
“Did you find any that could be of use?” Zardack asked as he saw the boy return.
“I saw several branches, but these five were the only ones that seemed like they would be strong enough.” Crimburn asked. “Which one should we try first?”

“I would drop the first and fifth branch. The first will snap easily and the fifth branch is too big. Let’s start with the second branch.” Zardack replied.
“Okay, here we go.” Crimburn replied as he then selected the second branch after setting the others aside.
Crimburn used the second branch to push open the trap only a small amount before the branch began to shatter.

“Owwwwww!” Zardack screamed in pain from the trap snapping shut on his foot.
“Sorry Zardack seems that branch was not strong enough.” Crimburn replied.
“Its fine let’s try the third one this time.” Zardack replied.
Crimburn nodded and then selected the third branch and tried to try opening the trap again. He managed to open the trap a bit more than last time before the branch shattered again.

“Owwwwwwww!” Zardack screamed in pain again.
“So that one was wrong too. Should we try again?” Crimburn asked.
“I think we should wait a bit so that my leg can rest first before we try again. I don’t want to injure my leg more than it already is.” Zardack replied.
“That is probably a smart idea. Is there anything I can get you in the meantime?” Crimburn asked.

“Um I am sure I will be fine till you get me out of this trap. Then I will be able to get food and water on my own.” Zardack replied as he turned his head away.
“Okay, but if you do need something then let me know.” Crimburn replied as he then went over to brush the deer’s fur.
“Um could you please stop that.” Zardack replied as he tried to pull away from the boy’s hand.

“Sorry about that. I am guessing you don’t like having your fur brushed.” Crimburn replied, taking his hand back.
“It’s not that, in fact it was quite soothing. It’s just that I don’t want to become too attached to you.” Zardack replied sadly.
“I understand. You are afraid that you will lose your ability to remain a wild animal.” Crimburn replied.
“Yes. I am more likely to be banished just for spending time in the company of a human. I must stand on my own otherwise the others will see me as weak.” Zardack replied sadly.

Zardack and Crimburn did not say a word to each other for about fifteen minutes. During that time Crimburn watched over Zardack while his foot rested.
“I feel my foot has rested long enough that we can try the next branch now.” Zardack spoke up.
“You are sure?” Crimburn asked.
“I am.” Zardack replied.

“Okay should we go for the fourth branch or try the fifth one?” Crimburn asked. “I don’t want to injure your leg anymore that it is.”
“Hmm let me think.” Zardack replied.
“Okay.” Crimburn replied.
Zardack pondered between the two remaining branches for about 5 minutes before coming to a decision.

“The problem with the fifth branch is that it is too wide to be of use. We should go with the fourth branch.” Zardack spoke up.
“Okay but what do we do if the fourth one shatters as well?” Crimburn asked.
“Hmm well it might be risky, but we could hang onto the fifth as backup while using the fourth branch.” Zardack replied.
“Okay but if we guess wrong your leg could be damaged further.” Crimburn replied.

“I am willing to risk it. If it frees me from the trap, then I can finally move on my own.” Zardack replied.
Crimburn felt kind of unsure of this approach but decided to go through with it anyway. If Zardack believed that this was his one shot to be free, then it was worth the risk. He picked up the fourth and fifth branch together. He held onto the fourth branch tightly in one hand while holding one in the other. Crimburn managed to open it almost fully with the fourth one.

“It seems like it is working.” Zardack replied as he felt the trap getting looser.
“Uh oh.” Crimburn replied, noticing the wood shattering from the strain. The trap was starting to snap back into place, but he managed to catch it before it got too close.
“Eeep.” Zardack squeaked seeing the trap nearly come close to his leg again before the boy stopped it.

“Grrrrr this is hard. There I got it open now, but I can’t hold it forever. You need to get your foot out now!” Crimburn shouted as he was putting in all his energy just to hold the trap open.
“Owwww, owwww, owwww, owwww. Oh, deer that is painful.” Zardack screamed in pain from moving his injured leg out of the trap. Once his injured leg was out of the trap he struggled to stay upright.
Crimburn watched Zardack move out of the trap but could tell that something was not quite right.
“Oh, that is not good.” Zardack spoke up as he felt his legs starting to buckle.
As Zardack started to fall towards the trap, Crimburn quickly pushed it out of the way as the deer came crashing down. The trap snapped harmlessly shut at a safe distance from Zardack. Crimburn dropped his stick after Zardack was on the ground.

“That was quite a fall. Are you okay Zardack?” Crimburn asked.
“No, I can’t get up. My body is in pain, and I lack the energy to even try to push myself up. I am nothing but a weakling.” Zardack sniffled as he started to cry.
“It’s okay.” Crimburn replied as he lowered himself to the ground near Zardack and hugged the deer’s neck.

“Please stop, stop. I can’t be seen like this.” Zardack sniffled as he continued to cry.
“You need a hug more than you know.” Crimburn replied.
“But I cannot accept it. I just cannot! The animals will see me as a weakling otherwise. I need to remain strong. I cannot be seen crying like this.” Zardack sniffled as he continued to cry.

“It is okay for you to cry Zardack. No one can remain strong all the time.” Crimburn replied.
“But I must remain strong. I am supposed to be a deer guard. My colony would leave me behind.” Zardack sniffled.
“It’s okay you did well.” Crimburn replied.

“But I was not even able to free myself from the trap. I needed a human to help me.” Zardack sniffled as he continued to cry.
“It is okay to ask for help. You do not have to do it all on your own.” Crimburn replied.
“But… I…. I… I….” Zardack sniffled as he tried to push himself up trying to show that he was still strong, however he couldn’t he even managed to get even an inch up.
“You need to rest Zardack. It’s okay I will take care of you.” Crimburn smiled.

“But I can’t just sleep here. What about wolves?” Zardack whimpered as he finally stopped crying.
“It okay. I will be able to handle them.” Crimburn replied with a smile after letting go of Zardack’s neck.
“But, but you… you… you are just a cub. There is no way you will be able to tackle them on your own. You do not even look like a fighter.” Zardack worried.

“It is okay I will find a way. For now, just try to get some sleep. I am going to see if I can find you some materials to form a brace. Maybe some herbs to help heal your leg.” Crimburn replied.
“But what if a wolf comes?” Zardack whimpered.
“Its fine, I don’t expect that I will be gone too long.” Crimburn replied.
“Okay little cub. I will get some rest. Before I sleep um could you tell me your name?” Zardack curiously asked.

“I am called Crimburn.” The boy replied.
“Crimburn? That is a very strange name for a human boy to have.” Zardack replied.
“It’s the name my mom gave me.” Crimburn replied.
“Hmm very strange. I have only heard names like that given to dragons. Are you a dragon by chance?” Zardack asked.

“Not that I know of. Still from what my mom told me they are quite majestic creatures that only live in storybooks.” Crimburn replied. “Though I would love to meet one day.”
“Hmm you certainly are a strange human Crimburn. Well good night. Please be careful out in the forest. I would not want something bad to happen to you.” Zardack replied.
“I will be careful Zardack. Get as much rest as you can Zardack. I will return when I have found the ingredients that I need.” Crimburn replied.

“Goodnight Crimburn.” Zardack smiled before falling asleep.
“Goodnight Zardack. Sleep well.” Crimburn replied and then went out into the forest to find the ingredients that he would need to help heal Zardack leg.
He decided to explore a separate part of the forest that went off to the east from where Zardack was laying on the ground. As he started to explore that part of the forest for about ten minutes, he could sense that something was wrong.

There were no bird calls or any animals moving about. He couldn’t help but feel a bit chilled like some mysterious specter was at work here. As he continued to travel around the ground, he spotted some leaves out by a lone tree. As he started to pick them up, he began to hear voices. Sensing danger he went over to hide near the larger sets of trees. As he hid next to one of the nearby trees. He heard the same voices again. This time he could tell that they were human voices.

“How much money do you recon we can get for all those forest animals that we rounded up?” The first poacher asked.
“A few thousand at least, possibly more for the possum family.” The second poacher chuckled.
“Beaver pelts are worth quite a lot this year. I am looking forward to skinning some of those animals.” The third poacher chimed in.

He took a quick glance to see how many other humans were out in the forest, before he went back to listening.
“It will certainly be quite a good haul this year, especially since we captured that large bat colony earlier this year.” The fourth poacher chuckled. “I am looking forward to a good meal of roasted bats. They taste quite good with Cajun sauce.”
“Don’t eat too much of it, we still need to sell some of that stuff to our customers.” The fifth poacher chimed in.

“We should also stuff some of the animals. People will pay quite a good deal of money for stuffed animals, especially furries. They really love their little bat brethren with their little maws, tiny teeth, silly tails, flappy wings and little feet and the way they go Rawwwwrrr!” The sixth poacher chuckled.
“Seriously?” The first poacher looked at him along with the others.
“What? That is what furries think that bats sound like.” The sixth poacher replied.

The other poachers just shook their heads.
“Come on guys lets go check the traps we placed.” The third poacher spoke up.
“Good idea, those traps we placed earlier are bound to have caught something by now.” The fourth poacher chuckled.
“Right and then we can continue back to base with our catch. It’s going to be a really great day for us.” The second poacher chuckled.

“There are those traps to the west that we setup earlier. I hope we caught a ton of deer there.” The fourth poacher spoke up.
“I am sure we did. There is no way any deer can avoid all those 60 traps we placed there.” The first poacher chuckled.
“We will have so many deer by the end of the day.” The fifth poacher smiled smugly. “Let’s head out.”

As the poachers filed out Crimburn realized with a great sense of dread that he would not be able to stop all the traps from catching all the deer. He might have saved one, but with so many on the loose it was only a matter of time before the rest managed to catch a huge flock of them. He would not be able to free all of them.

The medicine for Zardark’s leg would have to wait, but he stayed behind to collect as many leaves and the like as he could. He figured if he could get a splint on the deer’s leg that might take him far enough that he could at least get the medicine he could get. Another risky and dangerous plan would involve him being captured with the injured deer.

He figured that the poachers would have some form of medicine with them in case of emergencies. This was going to take a lot longer than he originally expected, but if he wanted to ensure that Zardack had a fighting chance this was the only way.

Meanwhile Zardack was sleeping quite soundly in the forest due to the safety that his human friend had provided. He would have slept more had he not been disturbed by the rustling of the bushes in the forest. Opening his eyes to look around he could not really see much since he was lying on his side. As the noise continued, he started to become quite concerned.
“Crimburn is that you?” Zardack asked.

All that he heard was silence after the bushes stopped moving. Hearing nothing in response made him even more fearful as his heart began to race. He hoped that Crimburn would return soon, for he knew that he couldn’t do anything to defend himself in his current state. As the rustling bushes started up again, he began to whimper in fear not knowing what was going to jump out at him. His heart started to beat even faster. The bushes continued to rustle with whatever animal was moving about.

“Erm… Crimburn… Crimburn… I could… um… use your… help about now.” Zardack whimpered as he frantically began to look around but he could not see all the bushes from where he was. His heartbeat begins to pick up even more.

“Hahahaha, what a scrumptious deer you are.” The mysterious voice began. “So helpless and all alone.”
“Who… who… who said that….” Zardack whimpered as he started to curl into a ball at the sound of the voice.
“Just your predator calling for you my tasty snack.” The mysterious voice continued. “I am certainly looking forward to making quite the meal out of you.”

“Predator? I’m… I’m… I’m… not afraid… of you.” Zardack tried his best to sound brave, but he was struggling to do so. His heart was beating quite rapidly now.
“Oh, is that so? I can see the fear mounting on your very bones.” The mysterious voice chuckled.
“No, I am not. I don’t fear you.” Zardack replied as he continued to shiver in fear.

“Really? Hahahaha that is funny. The little deer is trying to be brave.” The mysterious voice chuckled.
“I am... not… not… a little… deer. I am not… scared… of anything…” Zardack whimpered.
“Hahahaha, the little prey thinks he can stand up to me.” The mysterious voice chuckled. “Your body betrays you my little meal. We both know that is not true.”

“I am a guard… This… is… nothing… to me.” Zardack replied as he continued to whimper. “Why don’t… you… show… yourself!”
“A guard you say, hahahaha, you are no guard. You would not even be able to guard a tree.” The mysterious voice chuckled. “Show myself? Hahahaha, in your current state you wouldn’t even be able to handle it.”
“Yes… I… will.” Zardack replied as he tried to keep his fear in check. “I… am… not… afraid… of… you!”

“Hmm, I still don’t think you can handle my form. You will be far better off not knowing.” The mysterious voice replied.
“Show me… I am not… scared of you.” Zardack spoke up as his heartbeat started slowing down. He was not going to give in to his fear, but it still managed to linger.
“Very well… Don’t say that I didn’t warn you.” The mysterious voice chuckled.

As the mysterious voice moved out of the bushes where it was hiding and into view, Zardack’s heart picked back up again as he saw with great fear who his predator was.
“Ahhhhhh! Its… a wolf!” Zardack screamed at the top of his lungs.
“Told you that you were not ready for it my scrumptious prey.” The wolf chuckled. “But you wanted to see me anyway.”
“No… no… no… this can’t… be happening!” Zardack whimpered as he tried to get up from the ground, but he only managed to get up a little bit before collapsing.

“Hahahaha, trying to get up, are we?” The wolf chuckled. “This should be most amusing.”
“Come on legs get up.” Zardack spoke up trying to sound brave, even though he was coated in fear. He tried to get up again only to fail like last time.
“Awwww, is the little fawn struggling to get to his feet?” The wolf smirked.
“I am not… a little… fawn. I am… just practicing… is all.” Zardack nervously chuckled as he tried to get back on his feet again but collapsed once more.

“Hmmm, it doesn’t seem like the little deer can get on his feet. Kind of shame.” The wolf chuckled. “I was looking forward to a good chase.”
“Erm, I know I can do it. It’s just a little setback is all.” Zardack nervously chuckled as he tried to push himself up again. “Yeah, that is it.”
“And down he goes again. Care to try again just to humor me.” The wolf smirked. “Or are you planning on giving up?”
“Come on legs… work with me here. Up please.” Zardack whimpered trying to push himself up again.

“Hahahahaha, that was even worse than the last attempt.” The wolf chuckled. “Are you sure you are giving it your all or are you just wasting my time?”
“That was just… a warmup… is all. I am going to give it my all now.” Zardack nervously chuckled as he pushed himself harder this time. “I know I can do it this time.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk, still failing like always little fawn. Still, you got a little bit higher but not by much.” The wolf smirked. “I am kind of growing a bit tired of your little game.”
“I am sure I can get it this time.” Zardack nervously gulped as he tried to push himself up again. “Really I know I can.”

“And down you go again my tasty prey. You are quite a pitiful prey.” The wolf chuckled as he started to take a step forward towards the deer. “I really should just end you now.”
“Get back… get back… you… or I’ll… I’ll… I’ll…” Zardack whimpered as he tried to get up again but was unable to find the strength.
“If you’re trying to scare me my tasty prey, then you are failing quite badly at it. You don’t even have the strength now to even get up off the ground.” The wolf smirked.
“I am just… um… saving my energy… yes that is it.” Zardack nervously chuckled.

“You’re a horrible liar little fawn. We both know that you are out of energy and that leg of yours is not going to help you one iota.” The wolf chuckled taking another step forward. “Besides I doubt you could even fight off a small mouse even if you were well.”
“I am… no fawn… I have… fought many… mice on my own.” Zardack replied.
“Pah, a deer like you couldn’t even fight your way out of a pack of ravenous squirrels.” The wolf chuckled. “I have seen many fighters before and you are no fighter.”
“I am a great fighter… The elders trained… me so I could fight wolves. They said… I… I… am a great… guard.” Zardack whimpered as his fear got the better of him again.

“Hahahaha, little fawn you are no guard. You have too much fear in you to be a useful guard. I have seen you with your pack and I know that you take credit for what others do.” The wolf chuckled.
“That is not true… I do… lots of stuff for them.” Zardack whimpered.
“You don’t. I have seen you, and all you do is cause trouble for your pack.” The wolf smirked as he took another step closer to the deer. “You are not useful to your heard. In fact, they all want you gone.”

“Stay back… stay back… or… I’ll… I’ll… I’ll…” Zardack whimpered as the wolf got closer to him.
“You will do nothing to stop me, for you are nothing but a meek little deer.” The wolf chuckled taking another step forward. “Your fear coats you like a tasty sauce.”
“I… I… am… not a… meek… little deer. I will fight you!” Zardack shouted.
“Please you can’t even beat me from where you are laying.” The wolf smirked. “Your body is done. Why don’t you just give up already.”

“I am not… giving up.” Zardack replied as he tried to get up again only to fall once more.
“Your body knows that you are lying to yourself. Face it you are nothing but food.” The wolf smirked as he took another step forward.
“No, I… I… am not… food. I can… still… fight you.” Zardack whimpered as he succumbed to his fear once more.
“Very well. If you are so adamant to fight me then answer me this. Tell me the number of mice that you battled earlier.” The wolf chuckled.

“There is no need… for me… to say the… number. It was a lot of mice.” Zardack nervously chuckled.
“Really? Then humor me.” The wolf chuckled taking another step forward. “I am dying to know.”
“Erm, uh… well… you see…” Zardack gulped.
“Well spit it out then.” The wolf smirked.

“Erm… um… come on Zardack… think of a number…” Zardack spoke up as he began to tremble with fear from the wolf’s questions. How it was able to see straight through him? He wondered.
“You don’t know it do you.” The wolf replied.
“No, I do… know… the number… I um… don’t… want… to tell.” Zardack whimpered.
“You’re stalling again my prey.” The wolf chuckled. “I don’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Stalling?... Pah… what… I… um… not stalling…” Zardack nervously chuckled. “I am… just trying… to remember…”
“Very well it seems like you are just wasting my time.” The wolf chuckled as he lifted one paw into the air and opened his sharp claws. “You have until the count of 10 to tell me or you will feel my sharp claws on your neck.”
“Um… that… is not… really… necessary… Um can… we talk… about this?” Zardack gulped as he saw the exposed sharp claw from the wolf.
“No. One…” The wolf smirked still holding his claw up in the air.

“Wait… wait… lets… not be… unreasonable.” Zardack whimpered.
“Two…” The wolf continued.
“There is… um… no… need… for this… I am sure… we can… um… work something… out.” Zardack chuckled.
“Three…” The wolf counted.

“How… about… I give… you… some… of… my berries. Maybe… that might… help.” Zardack gulped.
“Four…” The wolf continued.
“Maybe… I can… get you… some nesting… material… instead. How about… that?” Zardack whimpered as he felt the fear creep into his body once more.
“Five…” The wolf counted.

“Erm… it is… getting… kind of… hot in… here.” Zardack spoke as he started to sweat.
“Six…” The wolf continued.
“Erm… um… wait… how about… I give… part… of my… pack’s land… to you. Maybe… that will… be enough.” Zardack whimpered as he continued to sweat.
“Seven…” The wolf counted.

“Wait… wait… I will… talk… it was 16 mice.” Zardack managed to blurt out before he started to cower again.
“16 mice you say my delicious prey?” The wolf chuckled upon hearing him speak up, keeping his sharp claws in the air.
“Yes, it was, and I beat them quite easily.” Zardack replied as he gradually began to recover.
“You’re lying my prey.” The wolf smirked, taking a step closer towards the deer after lowering its paw.

“Wait… um… it might have… been 32 mice.” Zardack nervously chuckled.
“I don’t think it was that number either.” The wolf smirked.
“Erm… it was… 48 mice… Yes… that was… what it was.” Zardack whimpered as he felt his fear come back again.
“You are fibbing again my little fawn.” The wolf chuckled as it moved within striking range of the deer.

“Please… don’t… eat… me! Please… don’t… eat… me! It was… 62 mice. Honest.” Zardack whimpered as he begged for his life.
“Are you sure?” The wolf questioned. “You been telling me a lot of fibs lately tasty fawn. Perhaps I should just eat you now.”
“Yes… yes… yes… I am sure. Honest.” Zardack whimpered as he curled up into a ball.
“Very well that seems adequate. However, you are still missing something.” The wolf smirked.

“I don’t think that I am missing anything.” Zardack replied.
“Yes, you are my silly little prey.” The wolf chuckled.
“And… that is?” Zardack asked.
“How the battle went.” The wolf smirked.

“Oh that. Um… there is… um no… need to… know.” Zardack chuckled.
“You’re stalling again my little fawn.” The wolf smirked as it moved a step closer. “Should I redo the count down? Hmmm?”
“No… no… there is… no… need. I beat them… easily.” Zardack gulped.
“Really, I don’t believe you.” The wolf smirked, raising one of his paws again and unsheathing his claws.

“Um… err… there is… no need… for that. Honest it is true.” Zardack whimpered.
“You’re lying to me little fawn.” The wolf smirked. “Now would you like to amend your statement or shall use these claws on you?”
“Wait… wait… I am… remembering… it now. I had a little… bit… of trouble… with them.” Zardack gulped as he felt his fear continuing to increase.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk. We both know that is not true.” The wolf chuckled as he lowered his paw and then moved close enough to place his paw on the deer’s body. “Care to try again?”

“Erm… well… um… I had… some… trouble with them.” Zardack nervously chuckled as he didn’t like that the wolf was so close to him now.
“Wrong again my delicious prey.” The wolf smirked.
“I had a… um… lot of… trouble with… them.” Zardack whimpered as his fear spiked again.
“And that little fawn is the last fib you will ever make.” The wolf chuckled raising his paw once more and unsheathing his claws near the deer’s neck.

“I surrender… I surrender… please… don’t use… your… sharp claws… on me. I will tell.” Zardack whimpered as he begged once more for his life. “I did not… beat them.”
“Ha, I figured as much. Go on.” The wolf smirked.
“They tied me up… and placed… pink bows… on my tail, horns and ears.” Zardack sighed in defeat.
“That is a most amusing story. Far more interesting than all those fibs you have been tell me.” The wolf chuckled lowering his paw back down to the deer’s body with the claws once more pulled back in.

“Does that mean that you plan on letting me go?” Zardack asked.
“Hahahahaha, silly prey I will do no such thing.” The wolf smirked. “I was looking forward to you being a worthy meal, but you are not. In fact, your death will be a minor footnote in a meaningless life.”
“But… I… told… you… everything.” Zardack whimpered.
“You did eventually. However, you wasted my time in the process.” The wolf replied. “Do you have any last words to say my little prey?”

“Yes… um… I… should… never… have… trusted… that… human… Crimburn to… protect me. Humans… are… not… trustworthy.” Zardack whimpered in fear as he realized his end was near. He closed his eyes so that he would not see what the wolf did to him. Hoping that would spare him some of the pain that would follow later.
“What a fitting speech to such a meaningless life. Goodbye little fawn we shall not meet again.” The wolf chuckled and then lowered his mouth. He then bared his fangs as he readied himself to bite into the deer’s neck.

Just as the wolf was about to strike, he was hit on the right part of his face causing him to recoil in pain. Zardack heard his predator yell but dared not open his eyes in fear of what the wolf might do to him if he did. After the wolf had recovered from the pain he began to look around for what had hit him. It didn’t take him long to notice the small rock that was lying on the ground.
“So that was what caused my pain. A small stone.” The wolf growled. “Grrrrr… when I catch the welp who did that they will be very sorry.”

Zardack continued to whimper in fear as he waited for the final blow. The wolf started to look around the immediate area trying to see if he could find someone. As he sniffed around, he smelled different animal scents but nothing out of the ordinary. He decided to look upwards a bit by standing on his back paws to scan the air but saw nothing. Feeling confident that nothing was around to disturb his meal, he turned back to his prey.
“If you thought of escaping your fate little fawn, it has clearly failed.” The wolf chuckled.
“I… I… I… didn’t… try anything… I swear.” Zardack whimpered.

“Hmm, are you sure?” The wolf growled.
“Yes… I am… sure.” Zardack whimpered. “I… don’t… have… anyone.”
“Very well. Whatever it was, it is gone now.” The wolf chuckled. The wolf then went ahead to strike his prey once more. As he tried to do so, the wolf was struck once more.

The wolf recoiled in pain from whatever hit him. Zardack breathed a bit of a sigh of relief that the wolf was a bit distracted. He chose not to open his eyes but wondered how long he would remain alive. From all the trouble he had caused his pack, there was no one that was going to come to his rescue. If things went south, he was on his own. He wondered how long he would remain alive. After the wolf had recovered from his pain he began to look around for what had hit him. It did not take him long to find out what the source of the pain was.
“Another small rock.” The wolf growled again and then went over to the deer and then raised a paw to the deer’s neck as he unsheathed his claws. “You are so dead little fawn.”

“Wait… wait… wait…” Zardack whimpered feeling the claw near his neck. “I… don’t… have anyone… I swear.”
“You’re lying to me. Someone is helping you.” The wolf growled.
“No… I… don’t… know… anyone… who would.” Zardack whimpered. “Please… you… got to… believe me.”
“Its another one of your lies little deer.” The wolf smirked.

“No, it… is the… truth… honest.” Zardack whimpered.
“I don’t believe you. Now you die!” The wolf growled as he pulled his paw back and tried to slash the deer’s neck.

Just as the wolf was gone to cut him, he was hit twice. Once on his paw and the second on the right side of his face. The wolf recoiled in pain once more, but this time he was really filled with rage. Zardack dared not say anything for fear that he might anger the wolf further. Once the wolf recovered again, he began to look around for the source of his pain.
“Two more small rocks!!! That tears it!!! When I get a hold of you little welp, I am going to tear you apart! You are not going to escape me this time!” The wolf growled as this time he was not going to mess around. He then went ahead to actively look for his target.

Zardack trembled in fear as he heard the wolf speak and began to curl up into a ball. Whoever had hurt the wolf had done such a good job that he worried what might happen to them. Zardack did not utter a single word while in the wolf’s presence. As he heard the wolf disappear, he breathed another sigh of relief that he had gotten a little extra time to still be alive. He did not open his eyes until twelve minutes later for fear that the wolf might return. Once he was sure that the wolf was gone, he finally opened his eyes and began to look around.

After shooting the wolf three times, Crimburn knew that it was his time to escape. He hoped he had bought Zardack enough time for his legs to heal on their own. He knew that he needed to get to him fast with the supplies he had collected if the deer had any chance of being able to move on his own. He still lacked the healing lotion for the injured leg, but that would have to wait. Right now, he had the wolf hot on his trail.
“I can smell you little welp!” The wolf growled. “You’re not getting away that easily.”

He decided to perform a bit of a zig zag pattern through the trees hoping that would be enough to distract the wolf. He also back tracked on some of the paths to add to the confusion. He knew that eventually he would need to loop back to Zardack. The tricky part of the whole plan would be how to get Zardack through the woods safely with the wolf actively looking for them. There was no way he could run as fast as he could with that injured leg of his. However, that part of the plan he would need to figure out later. For now, escaping the wolf was his biggest priority.
“Grrr… now where did that welp go?” The wolf growled as the new patterns he was finding were kind of confusing him.

While Crimburn had not learned how to fight, he was quite skilled in the element of distraction. A trait that had just bought his deer friend a bit more time. How much time that would remain to be seen. While he didn’t know this part of the forest as well as he would have liked, he had enough of an idea to turn it to his advantage. Sometimes he would follow the animals from a distance to learn what paths they preferred.
“You can’t escape me that easy welp!” The wolf growled as he tried to make sense of the paths. “I will find you!”

After performing his zigzag and back tracking patterns eight times, he then went ahead to loop back to Zardack. He hoped that would make the path confusing enough that he could get back in time to splint the injured leg.
“Hold out for me Zardack, I am coming.” Crimburn spoke up as he continued to run.

Meanwhile Zardack decided to test out his injured leg as he tried to one leg and then the other. As he shifted pressure to the front legs to force his back legs up, his body collapsed out from under him as he shrieked in pain. Clearly, he was not going anywhere anytime soon, but at least he knew that some of his strength had returned.
“I don’t know who saved me, but if you are out here in this forest. I would like to say thank you for sparing me from the wolf.” Zardack spoke up looking from where he lay.

Injured or not, he was going to have to make a run for it. Yet Zardack knew that he could make the damage to his legs even worse than it already was, but at least he would be free from that horrible wolf. He had no expectation that Crimburn would ever return for him, as like so many others they all just left him to fend for himself. He figured it had been too much to wholly trust a human to keep its word. As Zardack planned his next move the sound of movement among the nearby trees had disturbed his thoughts.
“Come… on… Zardack… its… time to go.” Zardack whimpered in fear.

In his panic in getting up, he accidentally put his injured leg up first before his good one leading him to scream in pain as he applied pressure to it. Unable to keep himself upright, he toppled over.
“No… no… no… this can’t… happening.” Zardack whimpered once more.

The trees start to rustle again causing Zardack to panic once more, but this time he manages to get his healthy hoof out first before putting up the injured one. He shifts his weight as he groans in pain from trying to get his back feet up but only manages to get them partly up before the mysterious figure appears between the trees. Unable to deal with all the stress from what he had gone through, Zardack fainted on the spot.


Authors Note: Thank you for reading my very first dragon story Dracowing. Its been a long time in development and has been through many twists and turns along the way. This version of the Dracowing story is a retelling of the original Dracowing story way back in 2011. The original version focused on Crimburn’s story along with his human family.

While the original digital has since been lost to time due to online data corruption, the paper version of this story is still intact. From the ashes of the original this new version is a mix of both the old and new storyline. Crimburn as a character has been through many forms, however I felt that the human era of the storyline made the most sense to bring back to life.

This version of the storyline is 49 pages long and sits at 8255 words of dialog. The original was nowhere near this length. Still as a story writer I have significantly improved since then. I have always struggled with getting the first chapter of a story written, however this chapter feels to me like a true first chapter. I don’t know what fate awaits Zardack and the other characters, but I am sure you will be looking forward to the next one.